• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Girl Heart Foodยฎ
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Main Dish Recipes

    Hunter’s Chicken Recipe (Easy Chicken Cacciatore)

    Published: November 17, 2019 Updated: June 18, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 32 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Close-up of hunter's chicken in a pan garnished with parsley.

    This easy hunter’s chicken recipe (also known as chicken cacciatore) combines juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. It makes for an irresistible one-pan dinner the whole family will love!

    Close-up of hunter's chicken in a pan garnished with parsley.

    We love hearty, comfort food recipes around here (I’m looking at you chicken and sausage with gnocchi).

    So, today I’m sharing another comfort food recipe (which happens to be an all time favourite); this is a delicious one pan, stick-to-ya-ribs, warm ya belly, make your taste buds do a happy dance, chicken dinner.

    Many years ago hubby and I would watch celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich’s show on PBS.

    I swear, every time we would watch it, we were transfixed by the screen. The way should would describe her dishes, make them and then (always) have a little bite, would make us want to run into the kitchen and get cooking. 

    I guess that means it’s a good show, right?

    One of the recipes that she made was hunter’s chicken. We fell in love with it and it never disappoints. This is our version of it!

    What Is Hunter’s Chicken? 

    “Hunter’s chicken” or “hunter style chicken” is basically a chicken cacciatore recipe. “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian. 

    This Italian stew is not to be confused with the British hunter’s chicken recipe, which is totally different than Italian hunter’s chicken.

    There are all sorts of variations of a hunter’s chicken recipe, some using different herbs, red versus white wine, maybe adding bell peppers and so on.

    This hunter’s chicken, however, is super simple with the main components basically being chicken and mushrooms in a tomato sauce with aromatics and herbs. It’s essentially a chicken stew and it’s so good!

    Hunter's chicken in a pan being cooked on the stovetop.

    Type of Chicken To Use

    Dark meat all the way! A combination of chicken thighs and legs was used in this recipe, but you could use one or the other if you prefer.

    I don’t recommend using breast meat as it will dry out over the long cooking time. Dark meat is more flavourful, in my opinion, stays moist and works the best in stews like this.

    I used 3 pounds of chicken in total, which was about 11 to 12 pieces (depending on how large your pieces are).

    And, yes, I removed the skin from the chicken. Unless I’m enjoying wings or fried chicken out somewhere, at home I always opt to remove skin. I like to save those calories for some crusty bread to go with, LOL. 

    In all seriousness, though, I like to remove the skin because even if you do crisp it (and render out some fat), you are putting it back into a moist environment (aka tomato sauce) and it will get soggy again (and nobody wants soggy skin).

    Close-up of chicken cacciatore with a wooden spoon resting in the sauce.

    Tips for Making This Recipe

    • When initially browning the chicken, if it sticks to the pan, don’t fret! It will release when it’s ready. It may take longer than 5 minutes on each side, depending on exactly how hot your temperature is. If needed, add a touch more oil and turn up the heat a little. It will release.
    • If you want to skip browning of the chicken, that’s okay! Just cook the chicken a little longer in the sauce until completely cooked through and the juices run clear.
    • Use a good quality can of tomatoes! It’s such a big part of this Italian stew so you want it to be good. I love San Marzano tomatoes, but if you can’t get that, use another good one. Buy whole peeled tomatoes and squish them with your hands before adding to the pan (or use a potato masher).
    • Like things more spicy? Add more crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer less? Omit or just add a pinch. I used ยฝ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and didn’t find this chicken stew to be too spicy at all. You do you!

    Recipe Variations

    • At the end of cook time, stir in some pitted black olives (you can slice if you prefer), about โ…“ cup.
    • You can also stir in some capers, about 3 tablespoons.
    • I deglazed with white wine, but you could totally use chicken stock or broth if you prefer.
    • Rather deglaze with red wine? Go for it!
    • Only have canned mushrooms on hand instead of fresh? Drain and use.
    Wooden spoon scooping up a chicken leg with tomato sauce from a pan.

    What To Serve With It

    Any of these sides go well with chicken cacciatore (or hunter’s chicken):

    • Crusty bread (a must for dunking into that rich sauce)
    • Creamy polenta
    • Your favourite pasta (rigatoni works lovely)
    • A crisp green salad
    • Garlicky green beans
    • Smashed baby potatoes or roasted potatoes

    More Comfort Food Recipes

    • Chicken and Sausage Recipe With Peppers
    • Easy Mushroom Risotto
    • Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole

    Whether you call it hunter’s chicken, chicken cacciatore, Italian stew or chicken stew, I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!

    If you make this easy chicken cacciatore recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Hunter's chicken in a pan garnished with parsley.

    Hunter’s Chicken Recipe (Easy Chicken Cacciatore)

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This easy hunter's chicken recipe (also known as chicken cacciatore) combines juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. It makes for an irresistible one-pan dinner the whole family will love!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings (with a side)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 pounds chicken thighs and legs, bone in and skin removed (approximately 12 pieces)
    • ยพ teaspoon salt, divided
    • ยพ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • ยฝ cup white wine
    • 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced (about ยฝ pound or 227 grams)
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • ยฝ teaspoon dried rosemary
    • ยฝ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock or broth
    • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano are great here), tomatoes roughly mashed with a potato masher to break up before using
    • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, optional garnish to taste
    • Chopped fresh thyme leaves, optional garnish to taste

    Instructions

    • Season chicken with ยฝ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.ย 
    • Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch heavy-bottomed sautรฉ (or deep) pan over medium-high heat.
    • When oil is hot, place half of the chicken pieces (thighs and legs) in the pan. Cook on one side for about 5 minutes or until the chicken easily releases from the pan (no need to move around, chicken will release from the pan with it's ready.) Flip the chicken to the other side and continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Once first batch is done, repeat process with remaining chicken (adding/heating another 1.5 tablespoons of oil to the pan before adding the chicken).
      Note: Chicken is NOT cooked at this point, we are just trying to get a little colour.ย 
    • Deglaze pan with wine, loosening any brown bits that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wine is mostly evaporated.
    • Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion has softened a little, about 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Stir in thyme, basil, rosemary and crushed red pepper flakes.
    • Pour in chicken stock, again loosening any brown bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon (if there are any).
    • Stir in tomatoes. Rinse the inside of the can with a tiny bit of fresh water to get all that tomato sauce and pour into the pan.
    • Return the chicken to the pan (along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate) and add remaining ยผ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.ย Tuck the chicken into the sauce and spoon some sauce over top. Bring to a simmer (you want to maintain a gentle bubbling), cover (with lid slightly ajar) and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, checking on halfway, stirring the sauce, to ensure it's not sticking.
    • Remove the cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10 to 15 minutesย or so until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through (the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with an instant-read meat thermometer). I actually enjoy dark meat cooked a little more, to about an internal temperature of 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
      Note: To check the internal temperature of the chicken, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, all the way to the middle, without touching any bone, fat or gristle. Remove the thermometer from the chicken after checking the temperature.
    • Garnish, if desired, with parsley and thyme. Serve and enjoy! Note: this is delicious served over creamy polenta, pasta or mashed potatoes.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    ยฉ Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.

    Keyword easy chicken cacciatore recipe, italian stew recipe, recipe for chicken cacciatore, Sunday supper

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

    « Chocolate Peppermint Cake
    Partridgeberry Muffins »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    ยฉ Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Kevin

      November 19, 2019 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      One pot dish that doesn’t disappoint. Love your step by step instructions on how to make this the perfect dish. Agree with saving calories for a nice slice of crusty bread.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 25, 2019 at 8:10 pm

        Thank you Kevin and happy you agree ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
    2. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      November 18, 2019 at 9:35 pm

      Chicken, tomatoes, and mushrooms combined with aromatic herbs and garlic is one of the most delicious and hearty combinations. That’s definitely a super delicious meal on its own, with some fresh bread, but I also can imagine mixing the leftovers with pasta…mmm delicious! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

        I agree!! Thank you Ben ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      November 18, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      This dish was in regular rotation when I was growing up. I’ve always loved it and am long overdue in making it. Thanks for the reminder ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

        Thanks Jennifer! It always goes over so well ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      November 18, 2019 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      Coming to your blog always makes me stomach growl, Dawn!!! This looks so hearty and delicious! I just know we’d all love digging into this one! Pinning and trying soon – I’m all about the cozy chicken meals during the winter ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

        Thank you Katherine! So sweet! Hope you guys love this one ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Valentina

      November 18, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      Such a cozy one-pot dinner. My favorite kind! And my family’s. Perfect for this time of year, and it’s so bright and pretty, too. ๐Ÿ™‚ ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

        Definitely! Thank you Valentina ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      November 18, 2019 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      Chicken cacciatore was one of the first dinners I ever made growing up Dawn and I love it. So I know I’d love this hunter’s chicken too! So comforting and hearty! Pinned and excited to try this version!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

        Thank you Mary Ann! Hope you enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. annie@ciaochowbambina

      November 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t think of a prettier stew, or more mouthwatering! You know how I feel about rustic cooking! This is a keeper, my friend!! xoxo

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

        I do ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thank you Annie! XOXO

        Reply
    8. Laura

      November 18, 2019 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      I cant remember the last time I made cacciatore, Dawn! But this looks so easy and tasty, i cant wait to give it a try! Like you, I love all of Lidiaโ€™s Recipes so thanks for sharing this one! Pinning!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

        Thanks Laura! Hope you love it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    9. David @ Spiced

      November 18, 2019 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      Mmmm…chicken cacciatore is the perfect cold weather food! I had to laugh at your comment about “ainโ€™t nobody got time for soggy skin.” I couldn’t agree more! I love a good crispy piece of fried chicken, but that’s about the only place I deal with skin. This sounds delicious, and I’m totally craving a bowl of this for dinner tonight. I might just have to make that happen! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:38 am

        I agree! Lol…it’s so true ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thank you David!

        Reply
    10. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      November 18, 2019 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      I’ve honestly never had Hunters Chicken but now I MUST make it! It looks so moist, delicious and flavorful!! I love how you called it a “stick to your ribs” meal – my kind of meal! especially during the holiday season ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s awesome to have a meal like this to feed the whole fam!! Happy Monday, my friend!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:38 am

        I agree! Thank you Haylie! Have a wonderful week ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      November 18, 2019 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      What a great stew! This looks so flavorful and so different than a traditional stew. I used to watch Lidia’s Italy too, and always loved her recipes. I am putting this one on my menu!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Yay! Thanks Kathy! Hope you enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. Tasia ~ twosugarbugs

      November 18, 2019 at 12:57 am

      This looks absolutely amazing Dawn! I’m sure this will be devoured at one of our Sunday dinners. Pinning!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Thank you so much Tasia!! Hope you guys love!

        Reply
    13. Leanne

      November 17, 2019 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great meal to feed a crowd! My husband doesn’t eat chicken, but I would absolutely love this. It looks so flavourful. I’ll have to give it a try the next time we have company over!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Thank you Leanne! It’s great for entertaining ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    14. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      November 17, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been thinking about this ever since I saw it this morning on IG! It looks delicious, a perfect fall/winter recipe! I don’t know why I’ve always thought of cacciatore as something difficult to make, but I’m glad you’ve informed me otherwise. Have a great week, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Woo hoo! Thank you so much, Kelsie! Easy peasy! Hope you love it!

        Reply
    15. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes\

      November 17, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo funny – I only just learnt that it meant “hunter” too – despite it being a dish I love! I am in Tuscany at the moment and dined at Ristorante al Cacciatore – and I now know the meaning. This is such a delicious dish, Dawn. So warming ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:36 am

        How fun!! Thank you Alexandra ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    16. Marissa

      November 17, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea that ‘cacciatore’ meant ‘hunter’ in Italian! But whatever you call this, it looks delicious! I want it to be my Sunday supper tonight!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 19, 2019 at 8:35 am

        Yay! Thanks Marissa ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture of Dawn from Girl Heart Food.

    Hi, I'm Dawn! Welcome to Girl Heart Food, a food blog that's all about easy comfort food recipes (especially cheesy recipes) that'll satisfy your taste buds and make your belly happy. Have a look around and find something that'll inspire you to get into the kitchen and whip up something delicious to enjoy today!

    More about Girl Heart Food โ†’

    Currently Trending

    • Stack of six cheesy ground beef quesadillas.
      Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
    • Old-fashioned cabbage rolls with tomato sauce and dill garnish in a serving dish.
      Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls (Inspired by Nan)
    • Cheesy baked broccoli and cauliflower in a dish.
      Broccoli Cauliflower Bake (Vegetable au Gratin)
    • Ground turkey rice bowl.
      Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails & updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright ยฉ 2023 Girl Heart Food Inc.

    Girl Heart Foodยฎ is a Registered Trademark.

    Use of this Website constitutes acceptance of its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.